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“It is very disappointing that the government has decided not to take forward Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes as part of the Priority Programme for devolution at this time. We understand that the region has a complicated geography with a lot of uncertainty, with government required to ensure that no area is left without the potential for devolution. However, the BLMK footprint is the only combination of local authorities on which Milton Keynes expressed an interest or is willing to consider at present, and given recent announcements regarding the re-emergence of the Oxford to Cambridge Corridor and the pressing need for economic growth we believe not progressing with a BLMK Mayoral Strategic Authority as quickly as possible is a missed opportunity.
"We remain committed to the potential that devolution brings and working with partners to move decision-making out of Westminster and closer to local people. We still feel that BLMK is the right economic, health and social geography. We understand that other issues mean it may be some time before a wider national picture is understood, but we will continue to work with the government to promote the benefits of a BLMK model and pressing for inclusion on that basis as quickly as possible because it is best for our city, region and national economy.”